Stock Characters
This character drives the entire plot by acting out of pure greed, selfishness, or malice.
Who is the Villain?
The literal meaning of Melodrama combines 'drama' with this specific auditory element.
What is Melody/Music?
Melodrama splits the world into these two categories, leaving no room for 'morally grey' areas.
What are good and evil?
Driven by pure intentions and innocence, this character is usually the main target of the villain's evil schemes.
Who is the Heroine?
Rather than background noise, music in melodrama is used to heighten this aspect of a scene so the audience knows what to feel.
What is Tension?
Unlike modern stories where the bad guy might win, the ending of a classic melodramatic piece will always end in this outcome for the villain.
What is Defeat/Punishment?
They vow to protect the innocent and always manage to save the day at the last very second.
A specific tune played every time a specific character walked onto the stage.
What is a Leitmotif/Theme song?
When a character enters stage, this is what the audience feels about their moral compass.
What is Obvious/Immediately recognisable?
Often a sidekick, this person adds funny quips to the intense drama.
Who is the Comic Relief?
Music will suddenly change to signal the audience that there is a surprising twist to the storyline.
What is a Plot Twist?
Unlike modern stories where characters wrestle with their own conscience, melodrama characters never experience this type of internal struggle.
What is a Dillema/Choosing between right and wrong?
This archetype is often forced into unfortunate financial sircumstances by the villain while also having a genuine bond with the hero/heroine raising tensions for them.
Who is the Guardian?
When music is used to go alongside a specific gesture, or a physical reaction from a character.
What is Emphasis?
The ultimate lesson of melodrama.
Hint: This will be the ending of the story
What is a Happy Ending/Triumph/Justice?